Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis MN, 2020
I had seen on a construction sign in September when photographing downtown Minneapolis, that the old Rand Tower was being converted into a hotel, and when I looked it up, I saw it was a Tribute Collection for Marriott, which was a double bonus for me.Also it's an old 20s high rise converted into a luxury hotel, named for Rufus Rand, WW1 aviator and world traveler (I already like this guy!) so it was designed in a 1920's art deco and aviation theme.
Arrival
I drove to a friend's in Minneapolis and was able to leave my car there and Uber to the hotel, saving me overnight parking fees in Minneapolis. Cost analysis now shows it might have just been a wash. I arrived on 6th Street, which is actually the secondary entrance, as the primary is intended to be used on Marquette Ave on the other side of the hotel.Went around to the lobby, and while checking in, I was given a higher floor. I had already purchased an upgraded room, and the few suites they have were already booked, so no further upgrades were available.
Got my keys and information on dinner and breakfast being room delivery or pickup only and that breakfast was included for Bonvoy Elites!
The Room
A comfortably sized room (I'm not banging my knees on the TV stand like in some Sheraton and Marriott business hotels), a good desk, intimate sitting chair, and great presentation on drink/barware.The view on the south side of the building is more skyscrapers, since it's completely surrounded by Downtown.
The Malin and Goetz products are pretty foo foo (I don't like cilantro which is featured in the conditioner, but if you buy this stuff outright, you see how expensive it is), nice amenities. Enough towels to not have to call down for more!
The Restaurant
Whiskey and Soda, named after the lion cubs gifted to Mr. Rand from one of his flying trips through Africa, is the lounge and restaurant. It wasn't open for seating during my stay, but did open for limited service a bit after and I went back.The food selection covers the spectrum in a few signature dishes. I have had the Chicken, Short Ribs and the Sea Bass. The Sea Bass was amazing. I really enjoyed the chicken too. The Short Ribs were darn good also. It's just so much yum.
The Rand Club
An opening soon (April 2021) night spot, this has indoor and outdoor seating areas (the roof above the glass area retracts) for whatever strikes your mood. I'm positive this will be packed with people for the long term future to come. Many thanks to Dennis for the private tour.Facilities
A large fitness center, which was closed and dark so I could not get a good picture of it, event rooms, a nice conference room but not a huge amount of space as the General Manager Dennis says that is not their focus.Common area space is somewhat limited but very picturesque.
Summary
An excellent 4 star hotel. Tribute collections can do almost anything they want as long as they maintain a certain level of service, which allows them a lot of flexibility. This hotel is a delight and very true stylistically to the aviation roots of the man it named after.Easily reached by Cab, Uber or even Light Rail from the Airport. City parking can be pretty pricey.